By Joan Cronk Contributing writer CenterPoint is a dynamic, growing church in Eatonville. Pastors Jennie and Jonathan Cross say it is attended by people of all ages. Jennie was born and raised in Eatonville, and Jonathan moved to the area during his high school years. He was raised in Honduras in Central America by missionary parents. CenterPoint purchased 10 acres of land east of the town's skate park on Madison Avenue in Eatonville, also known as the Old Mill site, on which to build a church. When purchased, the property was an industrial site loaded with rubble. Jennie Cross said the property is now more of a park-like setting with a half-mile trail around the perimeter open for community use. The new church building will have a caf+¬, and the campus will have a spot for state-of-the-art baseball and soccer fields. A multi-use building is in the process of being constructed on the site. Jennie and Jonathan say their passion is to continue sharing with people the love of Jesus in a creative, compelling, relevant manner. Church services are held on Sundays at 10 a.m. at the Eatonville High School Auditorium and consist of God's timeless Biblical truths through contemporary music, video, drama, dance and other creative methods, said Jennie. During the Sunday service, children who are nursery age through fifth grade can attend Children's Church and learn at a level that is relevant and fun for them. "My husband does a great job of bringing daily life lessons into his messages,GÇ¥ Jennie Cross said. "They are about life application, and he changes it up so that no matter where you are in life, you can be challenged in your walk. For that reason, CenterPoint offers a range of activities and opportunities for folks to learn and grow.GÇ¥ She added that a three-year, college- level Bible institute is also available. The CenterPoint Band performs contemporary music using the latest technology during Sunday services. The band consists of a melting pot of musicians with different styles that blend into unique music, Jennie said. CenterPoint also offers several programs, including Celebrate Recovery, which welcomes anyone with hurts, habits and hang-ups in a safe place to continue their journey towards healing, said Jennie. This ministry also addresses issues not related to alcohol or drugs, such as co-dependency, grief or any other challenges. "This ministry is for all of us,GÇ¥ said Jonathan. "It is a faith-based, 12-step program where many are finding healing and hope,GÇ¥ said Jennie. Celebrate Recovery meets on Tuesday evenings at the Living Word Assembly of God Church at 540 Eatonville Hwy. W, beginning at 6 p.m. with a dinner. CenterPoint promotes five core values: Discipleship, fellowship, worship, ministry and evangelism. The Crosses say they are extremely grateful for the 24 volunteer leaders in their church, as well as everyone serving and helping on a regular basis. Thrive Youth, a program for junior high and high school students, meets on Wednesday night at the Eatonville Community Center, at 7 p.m. The evening consists of a group lesson, learning about life issues and how to handle them. The group discusses any challenges the teens might be facing. Snacks are served and games are offered, as well. "It's a great place for teens to hang out,GÇ¥ said Jennie. Jonathan Cross said CenterPoint's vision is to be a spiritual center, a place of hope and healing. "They care about the people in this community and know that God is the answer. We are ordinary people in love with an extraordinary God,GÇ¥ he said. In addition to the weekly programs, CenterPoint offers conferences throughout the year. On March 14-15 CenterPoint and the Living Word Assembly of God Church will present a men's conference, called Rough Cut Men's Rally. It will feature David Dusek as the speaker and will focus on men's issues. The conference will be held at the Living Word Assembly of God on Friday from 6 to 9 pm and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Cost for the conference is $50 per person.. The Crosses said CenterPoint has demonstrated its passion for the area and the people of the world by continually doing extensive community projects and outreaches. CenterPoint teams have refurbished and painted the high school sports stadium, built a storage facility for Eatonville Youth Sports Association, cleaned up community parks and been involved in dozens of major home repairs for the elderly and needy. The church has also taken people on international mission trips to help some of the poorest people around the world. "There is a place for you at CenterPoint,GÇ¥ said Jonathan. "A place for you to learn and grow GÇô a place to build lasting relationships and be a blessing to others. You will have the opportunity to explore how awesome God is and be inspired, challenged and loved in a church that is vibrant and alive, with a compelling vision.GÇ¥
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